Welcome to Lithuania, brave Erasmus soul!
You came for studies, the adventure, and maybe the budget flights to Norway. But instead, you got icy glares on public transport, neon pink soup, and silence at social events. Sounds scary?
But here's the plot twist: the very things that make you raise your eyebrows now are the ones you’ll secretly fall in love with. Let’s break down the top five Lithuanian habits that shock international students – and how you’ll end up doing them too.
1. The Sacred Silence (Especially on Public Transport)
You hop on a trolleybus, ready to share your hot take on the weather or last night’s party – only to realize everyone around you is silent. No chatting, no laughing, no phone calls. Just deep introspection and the occasional cough.
Why it’s a thing: Lithuanians treat public transport like a mobile meditation zone. No noise. No eye contact. Just vibes.
How you'll adapt: At first, you’ll whisper into your phone like you're committing a crime. By November, you're the one glaring at tourists daring to speak above a whisper. Transformation complete.
2. Weather Obsession: Mood Forecast Included
The moment you say “Labas!”, someone hits you with the weather report. “It’s cold today, huh?” “Too windy.” “Feels like rain.”
Why it’s a thing: Lithuania’s weather is moodier than a teenager during finals. From golden sun to icy sleet in the same afternoon – the struggle is real.
How you'll adapt: You’ll go from eye-rolls to full-blown weather analyst in no time. Multiple weather apps? Check. Scarf in your bag, just in case? Always. You’ll even start apologizing for bad weather like it’s your fault.
3. Mushroom Picking: The Unexpected National Obsession
One minute you're planning your weekend. The next, your Lithuanian roommate says, “We're going mushrooming.” Into the forest. At dawn.
Why it’s a thing: Foraging is a big deal here – it’s not just a hobby, it’s a tradition. Mushroom knowledge is passed down like family secrets. Baravykas (boletus) is gold.
How you'll adapt: After your first “forest therapy” session and a basket full of mushrooms, you’ll be hooked. You'll scoff at supermarket mushrooms like a true convert.
In the photo below: my dad’s baravykai and his proud little tease of a report.
Source: personal archive
4. Personal Space: No Hugs, Thanks
You meet a Lithuanian. You smile. Maybe go in for a friendly hug. They freeze. Back away. Politely. Very politely.
Why it’s a thing: Lithuanians are reserved at first. It’s not coldness — it’s boundaries. Relationships are built slowly, but once you’re in, you’re in for life.
How you'll adapt: Your instincts may scream for human contact, but by month three, you’ll nod stoically and appreciate the silence. And if a Lithuanian does hug you? Cherish it. You've made it.
By the way, you may be interested in my recent article about how to go to a Lithuanian's home.
5. Cold Soup with Hot Potatoes – Say What?
You sit down to lunch and someone serves you a neon pink bowl of cold liquid with bits of cucumber floating in it. Also, boiled potatoes... on the side?
Why it’s a thing: Šaltibarščiai – the cold beetroot soup – is a Lithuanian summer classic. Tangy, creamy, and ridiculously photogenic. The hot potatoes are not optional; they're your crunchy contrast.
How you'll adapt: First, you post it on your social with a confused caption. Then you try it. Then you crave it. Eventually, you're recommending it to other Erasmus newbies like it’s your grandma’s secret recipe.
Lithuanians are so much into šaltibarščiai, that we even have a festival for it. Check it out.
From “What the...?” to “I’m Basically Lithuanian Now”
Here’s the thing about Lithuania: it doesn’t beg for your attention. It lets you sit with the stillness, the weird soups, and the forest air until something shifts. You stop resisting. You start embracing.
Soon enough, you’ll be wrapping a scarf tighter, pausing before speaking too loudly, and judging people who don’t know the right time to pick chanterelles.
You came here thinking you’d explore Lithuania. Turns out, Lithuania had plans to change you.
Also might be interested in this article: Lithuanian Culture: A Quick Guide for Foreigners
Karolina, OLS Community Manager – Lithuanian